The term “military cots” does not exactly remind most of leisure and comfort.
Nonetheless, military cots (like most products) have come a long way since they were invented.
Today, military cots remain useful in barracks along with supplying an outdoorsman with temporary shelter.
The best military cots serve a practical purpose along with improved comfort and durability compared to previous designs.
Additionally, some are oversized for larger users or ultra-compact in the event you need something in a crunch out in the woods.
Learn more about the best military cots from popular brands like Cabelas, Bass Pro Shops, and Coleman.
#1. Cabela’s Big Outdoorsman Cot with Lever Arm
- Dimensions: 85″ X 20″ x 40″
- Weight: 31.3 lbs.
- Weight Capacity: 600 lbs.
- Colors: Brown
Cabelas is one of the leading names when it comes to anything outdoors.
Thus, it’s not shocking to see numerous military cots produced by Cabelas to make our cut for 2021.
The Cabelas Big Outdoorsman Cot is designed for campers of all sizes.
The large 85″ x 40″ sleeping surface is spacious for a military cot along with a durable frame that supports up to 600 lbs.
Unfortunately, the Cabelas Big Outdoorsman Cot is a little heavier than others largely because of the powder-coated steel frame.
Notwithstanding, the built-in lever arm makes setup a breeze and the military cot does fold for transport (carry bag also included with purchase).
The water-resistant polyester fabric is durable spending a night out in the woods.
However, customers may want to also consider investing in this cot pad to go along with the frame and accessories.
Cot pads are modestly priced and provide another layer of comfort without adding too much hauling weight.
Where to Buy: www.Cabelas.com
#2. TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Cot
- Dimensions: 85″ X 19″ x 40″
- Weight: 26 lbs.
- Weight Capacity: 600 lbs.
- Colors: Black
The military cot available from TETON Sports Outfitter is very similar to the Cabelas Big Outdoorsman Cot.
It offers a spacious sleeping area (85″ x 40″) for larger individuals or those that “toss and turn” in their sleep.
Moreover, the TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Cot easily converts into a double sleeping area without the need to scrunch two individual cots together.
Thus, it is also one of the best military cots for couples.
However you wish to sleep, the TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Cot is capable of adapting to your needs.
It is extraordinarily durable with a max supporting weight of 600 lbs.
Furthermore, the pack weight (26 lbs.) is far lighter compared to the similar design available from Cabelas.
Of course, TETON recommends that you buy their own version of a cot pad (see how the TETON Cot Camp Pad here compares to Cabelas).
Regardless of how you choose to spend a night away from the comforts of home, the TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Cot is far from “roughing it”.
The cot assembles using steel legs that attach to the 600D poly canvas mattress.
Purchase of the TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Cot includes a limited lifetime warranty.
Where to Buy: www.SportsMans.com
#3. ALPS Mountaineering Camp Cot XL
- Dimensions: 86″ X 22″ x 40″
- Weight: 19 lbs.
- Weight Capacity: 325 lbs.
- Colors: Tan
It’s not surprising that customers are demanding more comfort even when it comes to military cots.
As a result, the ALPS Mountaineering Camp Cot XL produces an intriguing design.
It’s comparable to the XL versions available from TETON and Cabelas aside from the much lighter design.
The folding ALPS Mountaineering Camp Cot XL only weighs 19 lbs. which makes it incredibly compact and portable (carrying bag included).
The sturdy steel connectors attach to the 600D polyester fabric for a surprisingly spacious sleeping area (86″ x 40″).
Consequently, you get practically the same sleeping space yet with far less hauling weight compared to other XL cots.
In the end, stay mindful that the ALPS Mountaineering Camp Cot XL supports almost half the weight (325 lbs.) of other oversized military cots.
Where to Buy: www.SportsMans.com
#4. Coleman Queen Airbed Cot with Side Tables and 4D Battery Pump
- Dimensions: 78″ X 22″ x 59″
- Weight: N/A
- Weight Capacity: 600 lbs.
- Colors: White
The Coleman Queen Airbed Cot is not only sizeable yet extremely compact thanks to its innovative design.
For starters, Coleman is one of the best outdoors brands when it comes to having a cozy night in the wilderness.
Thus, the Coleman Queen Airbed Cot delivers a spacious 78″ x 60″ sleeping area which comfortably supports users up to 6 ft. 2 inches.
Moreover, the Queen Airbed Cot features some cool accessories like the side tables along with the 4D battery pump.
Since the military cot includes an airbed, the 4D battery pump inflates and deflates the mattress.
The versatile design allows users the choice of sleeping indoors or outdoors with elevated support.
Furthermore, the Coleman Airbed Cot divides from its queen mattress into two individual cots depending on sleeping needs.
Considering that the Coleman military cot supports a max weight capacity of 600 lbs., many are surprised to find the unit portable with a folding interface.
While it’s not the most compact military cot, the carrying bag includes wheeled transport for camping excursions.
Lastly, purchase of the Coleman Queen Airbed Cot with Sides Tables and 4D Battery Pump includes a 1-year limited warranty.
Where to Buy: www.Cabelas.com
#5. Cabela’s Lounge Cot
- Dimensions: 81″ X 16.5″ x 32″
- Weight: Adjustable/Lounge Chair
- Weight Capacity: 350 lbs.
- Colors: Black
If you love to camp with family and friends, then why not consider the Cabelas Lounge Cot as a necessary item to pack on any adventure.
The military cot is one of the most unique as it doubles as a lounge chair during the day.
The 2-in-1 cot provides adjustable legs and a straightforward locking mechanism to set up the 80″ x 26″ frame.
Sleeping luxuries include a built-in foam pillow (though you should bring your own), nylon sleeping surface, and flexible spring-tension system.
Once you awake in the morning, the Cabelas Lounge Cot transforms into an adjustable lounge chair (13-20″ height) supported by a welded, steel frame.
The thoughtful design even includes the ability to adjust each leg individually in the event you are on uneven surfaces, which is often in the woods.
The Cabelas Lounge Cot features some nifty accessories like the built-in foam padded pillow, small organizer pocket, and carrying bag.
While not ideal for backpacking adventures, the unit ultimately folds to a relatively compact size of 11.2″ x 36″ x 33″.
Where to Buy: www.BassPro.com
#6. Kamp-Rite CTC Standard Compact Collapsible Backpacking Camping Tent Cot
- Dimensions: 79″ X 29″ x 57″
- Weight: 25 lbs.
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs.
- Colors: Green/Tan
While Cabelas, TETON, and Coleman are the leading brands in sportsmen gear it fails to highlight some of the other options available.
For example, the Kamp-Rite CTC Standard Camping Tent Cot may get slept on in the Walmart catalog, but it’s a really dependable military cot.
Moreover, you will not break the bank spending well under $200 on a military cot that also doubles as a tent.
The Kamp-Rite CTC Standard Camping Tent Cot presents itself as a lightweight camping cot for those that prefer to backpack over the “glamping” experience.
The unique creation has the ability to use separately as a cot, tent, or zipped together as a sheltered cot.
Therefore, you can adjust the cot to function depending on the elements.
For example, a clear and mild evening may warrant the use of just the cot under the stars.
However, the anticipation of thunderheads in the distance may warrant a quick tent set up on the ground.
Or, if the time allows in the same scenario, why not the experience of the zipped sheltered cot with rain/fly windows for ventilation?
The outcomes are endless in the woods which is something the inventors of the Kamp-Rite CTC Standard Camping Tent Cot appear to understand well.
There may be questions about durability since it’s not from a well-established brand yet there is a 1-year warranty to give it a try.
It transports well for backpackers in a carry bag with rollers or duffel bag for just the tent if hauling gear in long mileage.
The smallest footprint measures at 9″ x 43″ x 10″ for backpackers that need a light load (25 lbs. hauling).
Where to Buy: www.Walmart.com
#7. Bass Pro Shops Eclipse Camp Cot
- Dimensions: 76.5″ X 29.5″ x 15.5″
- Weight: 19 lbs.
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs.
- Colors: Light Gray/Blue
Bass Pro Shops does not quite have the same reputation since its merger with Cabelas yet the products are still as reliable.
Thus, it would be impossible not to include at least one of their designs among the best military cots of 2021.
The versatile cot gets plenty of recognition for its straightforward installation.
The military cot is constructed around a fully assembled, speed-frame design.
Quite frankly, some people avoid the woods because the thought of engineering a tent scares them to death.
Whether you are a seasoned veteran or bringing it for your son-in-law, the Bass Pro Shops Eclipse Camp Cot is effortless to erect.
What’s more, is the powder-coated steel frame is strong and reliable at 300 lbs. max weight.
The water-resistant 600-denier polyester fabric with comfy side nylon mesh panels offers leisure time in the woods.
Furthermore, the deluxe bag with an adjustable shoulder strap provides a carrying weight of only 19 lbs.
Where to Buy: www.Cabelas.com
#8. Cabela’s 2XL Outfitter Bunk Bed by Disc-O-Bed
- Dimensions: 87.5″ X 45″ x 46.5″
- Weight: 94 lbs.
- Weight Capacity: 600 lbs. (per single cot)
- Colors: Gray
Whether the thought of bunk beds brings back memories of the barracks or childhood, sometimes they do provide a good time.
The Cabelas 2XL Outfitter Bunk Bed by Disc-O-Bed is a prime example.
It provides a unique niche in the outdoors industry where quality duo-assembly units are difficult to come across.
Hence, Cabelas is proud to tout their 2XL Outfitter Bunk Bed by Disc-O-Bed which offers outstanding versatility.
It’s not only easy to assemble yet has a double purpose as a 2-person bunk bed or as two individual cots.
Thus, the Cabelas 2XL Outfitter Bunk Bed has a similar concept to the Coleman Queen Airbed Cot.
Married men will like the fact that they can take their partner or best friend yet have merging or separate sleeping spaces depending on comfort level.
The sleeping space is generous at 85″ x 40″ so it’s not too restricting for a bunk bed design.
The 1,200-denier polyester sleeping mats are of high quality and fit along the rounded bed end frame which does not damage tent floors.
The strong, PVC-coated, 2.2mm steel frame is amazingly durable with a max supporting weight of 600 lbs. per single cot (1,200 lbs. max carrying capacity).
For a complex unit, it assembles relatively straightforward even if the price tag is steep.
Of course, it’s not the most compact unit for carrying long distances into the woods yet the canvas carrying bag is a stylish accessory.
If you are a family man that wants to wind down with the complete glamping experience, why not upgrade to the Cabelas 2XL Outfitter Bunk Bed?
Where to Buy: www.Cabelas.com
#9. SJK Emergency Camp Cot
- Dimensions: 75″ X 28″ x 17″
- Weight: 16 lbs.
- Weight Capacity: 325 lbs.
- Colors: Gray
While the luxury of the Cabelas 2XL Outfitter Bunk Bed is terrific, rugged outdoorsman can do with something more straightforward, not to mention affordable.
It is what makes the SJK Emergency Camp Cot a phenomenal value (retail: $79.97).
The military cot is best intended for skilled, seasoned outdoorsmen that need something simple or in an emergency situation.
The unit is extremely lightweight (16 lbs.) with an aluminum frame (325 lbs. max user weight) that gets you off the ground for the night.
It lacks annoying groans and squeaks that plagued original military cots so you may just sleep like an angel.
The carrying bag is a useful accessory as it just may save your a** in a dire situation.
Where to Buy: www.BassPro.com
#10. Rustic Ridge XXL Outfitter Cot
- Dimensions: 85″ X 20″ x 40″
- Weight: N/A
- Weight Capacity: 300-350 lbs.
- Colors: Earth Brown
Rustic Ridge offers another affordable military cot that has the opposite intention of the SJK Emergency Camp Cot.
Hence, the Rustic Ridge Outfitter Cot provides an XXL experience for larger frames (max user weight 350 lbs).
It is also very affordable (retail: $119.99) with a stylish Earth Brown finish.
The 25mm steel tube with powder coating frame provides a durable and cozy sleeping experience.
It rounds out our list of the best military cots for 2021.
Where to Buy: www.SportsMans.com
See Also
15 Mattress Companies With Military Discounts
10 Best Military Tactical Sunglasses
MRE’s For Sale: 5 Best Places To Buy Them
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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